Many cars profiled here suffer pitiful neglect, rotting away for decades as their value and hopes of hitting the road again fade. This Buick tells a far more promising story! The 1964 Buick Riviera near Rancho Palos Verdes, California underwent a never-completed restoration begun in 2006. After receiving a freshly rebuilt engine, painted chassis and body, interior work, and more, it became sidelined, parked outside for a number of years. The west coast sun aged the paint and upholstery, but it runs, and much of the previous work simply needs to be refreshed. Riviera fans who like a clean albeit imperfect starting point will find details and a link to more pictures here on Craigslist where $10,900 makes it yours. Thanks to reader erik g for spotting this California classic.
Buick’s famous nailhead V8 makes torque and an almost vibration-free idle. With fewer than 100 miles on this 64’s rebuild, the matching-numbers nailhead should require little attention beyond regular maintenance, and the transmission was rebuilt as well. My late father bought a long-parked 1953 Buick Roadmaster Riviera years ago, with the original first-year nailhead. After prepping the motor, it came alive after years of slumber, and within 30 seconds idled better than many injected cars today. Modern cars always seem to be seeking the ideal RPM or give a tiny shudder every few seconds.
The original color upholstery also dates to 2006, and the seller admits that some areas are sun-faded. Note the California black plates! The fabulous center console comes with the car, an interesting feature that defines this luxury ride as an obligatory 2+2. The console design is truly special and a highlight of this era of Buick’s luxury coupe.
While the Golden State sun did the paint and upholstery few favors, the undercarriage shows well. Even the exhaust hasn’t rusted during the car’s unfortunate outdoor slumber. True dual exhaust with modern-looking turbo mufflers should make an even mellow tone.
Among the 100+ pictures available, few if any show the whole car in one frame. At any rate, if the prior bodywork held up, a fresh coat of paint shouldn’t break the bank. A host of loose and extra boxed parts come with the car, and the unfinished restoration included many chromed pieces that should shine up nicely. Would you daily drive this partially-restored Riviera?
Shame about the paint on this car. It also does not appear to be a factory AC car, which isn’t the end of the world. In it’s current state, now would be a good time to install a Vintage Air system. With that said, a friend here just sold his very nice ’63 Riv with fresh paint and AC for 25K (to a guy in California).
After looking at the restoration photos, it a crying shame that the car was left outside before the work could be completed. I wonder if any legal remedy was pursued.
Often these sorts of delays are caused by the owner, not the shop. They run out of money, or “slow things down” because they didn’t plan ahead. Based on the number of shops this car to and the length of time it takes for paint to deteriorate like that, I’d put my money on that scenario. No shop will leave a car sit idle, taking up room if there are other paying customers, that’s why many shops have unfinished projects sitting in corners or outside. I have several friends with shops, it’s often a constant battle on large jobs, that why it’s so difficult to find shops willing to do complete restorations, most eventually rearrange the business model to do smaller jobs that can be done on a matter of days or a few weeks, where costs can be easily predicted before hand. If that’s the case, he’s lucky to still have the car.
Definately a project but the seller probably started out with a very good example and it should be a doable vehicle for some DIY or someone with handy friends. What strikes me is just the massive #s of 1st gen Rivs still around at payable $ – not that there’s anything wrong with not having to sacrifice an arm and a leg to aquire a true classic…!
IMHO one of the very best designs of the 60s to combine both elegance and muscle car-like properties
Everything is still available for these cars. Options are important when selling one. Things like a/c, electric windows & seat, amfm radio in working condition, electric antenna & trunk release, automic eye headlight dimmer, & wheel cover choice all make a difference, as do wood trim & door panels (cards) rear window defogger and the list goes on. Chrome pieces must be all there and not needing rechroming. Steering components and bushings, seals must not leak. I haven’t even started talking about rust, but this car shouldn’t have a problem in that area. Overall this car is very doable, but nice ones still sell for between $20,000.00 to $30,000.00. At $10g starting point $5g for new paint, add to that a/c and new tires, plus brakes are unknown you can easily be over what one already done will cost. The advantage are when you put one together yourself you already know exactly what you have. Here you have a freshly rebuilt engine and transmission, that’s a big plus. If you have the ability to do the work yourself I say go for it.
I love my 64 Riviera.
God bless America
11 grand to buy, 30,000+ to restore, and you’ll have a nice $30,000 Rivie.
Once again, assuming the new owner doesn’t/can’t due the work him/her self.
Not a riskless assumption.